« | Psalm 22 | » |
1 To the Chief Musician, on the deer of the dawn. A Psalm of David. My God, my God, why have You forsaken me, and are far from my deliverance, and from the words of my groaning?
2 O my God, I cry in the daytime, but You do not answer; and in the night, and am not silent.
3 But You are holy, enthroned on the praises of Israel.
4 Our fathers trusted in You; they trusted, and You delivered them.
5 They cried to You, and were delivered; they trusted in You, and were not ashamed.
6 But I am a worm, and no man; a reproach of men, and despised by the people.
7 All who see Me mock me; they shoot out the lip; they shake the head, saying,
8 He trusted on Jehovah; let Him deliver Him; let Him rescue Him, since He delights in Him!
9 For You are He who took Me out of the womb, causing Me to trust while on My mother's breasts.
10 I was cast on You from the womb; You are My God from My mother's belly.
11 Be not far from Me; for trouble is near, for there is none to help.
12 Many bulls have circled around Me; strong bulls Of Bashan have surrounded Me.
13 They opened wide their mouths on Me, like a ripping and a roaring lion.
14 I am poured out like water, and all My bones are spread apart; My heart is like wax; it is melted in the midst of My bowels.
15 My strength is dried up like a potsherd, and My tongue clings to My jaws;
16 and You have brought Me into the dust of death. For dogs have circled around Me; the band of spoilers have hemmed Me in, piercers of My hands and My feet.
17 I can count all My bones; they look and stare at Me.
18 They divide My garments among them and cast lots for My clothing.
19 But You, O Jehovah, be not far from Me; O My strength, hurry to help Me!
20 Deliver My soul from the sword, My only one from the dog's hand.
21 Save Me from the lion's mouth; from the wild oxen's horns. You have answered Me.
22 I will declare Your name to My brothers; in the midst of the congregation I will praise You.
23 You who fear Jehovah, praise Him; all of you, the seed of Jacob, glorify Him; and fear Him all the seed of Israel.
24 For He has not despised nor hated the affliction of the afflicted; and He has not hidden His face from him, but when he cried to Him, He heard.
25 My praise shall be of You in the great congregation; I will pay My vows before the ones who fear Him.
26 The meek shall eat and be satisfied; those who seek Jehovah shall praise Him; your heart shall live forever.
27 All the ends of the world shall remember and turn to Jehovah; and all the families of the nations shall worship before You.
28 For the kingdom is Jehovah's; and He is the ruler among the nations.
29 All the fat ones on the earth shall eat and worship; all those who go down to the dust shall bow before Him; and none can keep alive his own soul.
30 A seed shall serve Him; it shall be spoken of Jehovah to the coming generation.
31 They shall come, and shall declare His righteousness to a people that shall yet be born, that He has done this.
The Modern King James Version (MKJV)
The Modern King James Version (MKJV) is a contemporary English translation of the Bible that aims to preserve the majesty and accuracy of the original King James Version (KJV) while updating its language for modern readers. Developed by Jay P. Green Sr. and first published in 1990, the MKJV seeks to maintain the literary beauty and doctrinal reliability of the KJV, making only necessary adjustments to archaic terms and phrases to enhance readability. This careful balance allows the MKJV to retain the classic feel of the KJV while making it more accessible to today’s audience.
One of the standout features of the MKJV is its commitment to formal equivalence, or word-for-word translation. The translators have meticulously preserved the structure and vocabulary of the KJV, only updating words and phrases that have become outdated or whose meanings have shifted over time. This approach ensures that the MKJV remains faithful to the original texts and maintains the theological and literary integrity of the KJV. By preserving the cadence and phrasing of the original, the MKJV offers a reading experience that is both familiar and refreshed for modern readers.
The MKJV also pays special attention to the textual basis of the translation. Like the KJV, it relies on the Textus Receptus for the New Testament and the Masoretic Text for the Old Testament. This adherence to traditional source texts underscores the MKJV’s commitment to continuity with the historic Christian tradition. The translation is designed to serve both devotional and scholarly purposes, providing a text that is suitable for study, teaching, and public reading in a variety of settings.
Despite its strengths, the Modern King James Version has faced some criticism. Some scholars and readers argue that the translation could benefit from a more extensive revision to fully embrace contemporary language, suggesting that the MKJV’s adherence to the structure and style of the KJV may still pose challenges for modern readers. Others appreciate the balance it strikes but note that it occupies a niche space, appealing primarily to those who have a strong attachment to the KJV. Nonetheless, the MKJV remains a respected and valued translation for those seeking a modern update of the KJV that honors its rich heritage and timeless message.